AlCircle News Edited By "Staff Editor"
Aluminium gains ground in the travel segment with Carl Friedrik’s new carry-on suitcases
Carl Friedrik’s new aluminium carry-on suitcase leans into a style of luggage that’s becoming less common in airports dominated by polycarbonate shells. With a price tag of GBP 645, the case sits in the premium segment. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Built around a grooved aluminium exterior with riveted edges and leather detailing, it takes cues from what the brand describes as the “Golden Age of Travel,” when luggage combined durability with a distinct visual identity. Also Read: Toyota, Honda, Nissan face aluminium supply disruptions for Middle East conflict It has a specially developed aluminium alloy shell, which gives the case a more rigid structure than standard plastic alternatives. The...
India’s lithium-ion dependence exposes EV sector to supply risks amid China curbs
India remains reliant on imports for lithium and other key minerals used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, a dependence that continues to expose the sector to global supply disruptions. Minister of State for Heavy Industries Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma said domestic demand for lithium-ion battery materials is being met entirely through imports, leaving the EV ecosystem vulnerable to external shocks. Referring to inputs from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, he underlined that India’s dependence on critical minerals such as lithium-central to EV battery production-remains high. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain "Recent policy developments in China, specifically the decision to impose...
Tesla in talks for $2.9bn solar equipment deal with Chinese suppliers
Tesla is reportedly in late-stage discussions with Chinese suppliers over a major order for solar manufacturing equipment, potentially worth about USD 2.9 billion. The move is part of its wider plan to expand solar production capacity within the United States. People familiar with the matter suggest the company is aiming to build as much as 100 gigawatts of solar manufacturing capacity in the US by 2028. The equipment under discussion would be used to produce both solar cells and panels domestically, with some shipments possibly arriving before the end of the year. Also read: Recycled and high-performance: SABIC highlights sustainable auto materials at PIAE 2026 One of the companies in the frame is Suzhou Maxwell Technologies, known for its screen-printing systems used in solar cell...
NTPC adds 165 MW solar capacity at Khavda-II in Gujarat
India’s state-owned energy giant NTPC Ltd has taken a further step toward expanding its renewable portfolio, with new capacity now entering commercial service in Gujarat. Through its step-down subsidiary, NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd, the company has begun supplying 165 MW of power from the Khavda-II Solar PV project, which has a planned total capacity of 1,200 MW. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " This latest development represents the operationalisation of the fourth phase of the project, and the commercial operations are going to start from March 19, 2026. This tactical approach shows the Khavda-II project’s size and intricacy, which is an important solar initiative that also supports India’s clean...
Orora’s Helio technology elevates aluminium can design for Pirate Life Brewing’s latest edition
Orora’s Helio direct-to-can digital printing technology has been used on aluminium cans for Pirate Life Brewing’s latest limited-edition release, Mosaic Discotheque, highlighting its ability to create high-build, tactile finishes on aluminium packaging. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The project is part of a wider set of Helio-based applications, reflecting its use in short-run, design-focused aluminium can production.Developed to mark Pirate Life’s 11th anniversary, the 500ml aluminium can carries a disco ball-style design created by layering gloss and matte spot varnishes over a white-to-grey gradient. This effect comes from Helio’s high-build coating process, where a specialised coating is applied...
Toyota, Honda, Nissan face aluminium supply disruptions for Middle East conflict
The ongoing Iran-US conflict has disrupted aluminium supplies, creating challenges for automakers such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. The disruption is linked to issues in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, where Gulf producers have declared force majeure, affecting around 10 per cent of global aluminium supply. Japan remains heavily dependent on imports for aluminium, which is widely used by auto-parts manufacturers for components such as wheels and engine parts. Toyota CEO Koji Sato said, “With regard to the materials like aluminium; about 70 per cent of it comes from the Middle East. And so if this situation (Iran-US War) prolongs, needless to say, there's going to be procurement problems, I think there should be alternative sources and to explore and depending on how long the...
Alcoa reports higher orders following Middle East aluminium disruptions
Alcoa has reported an increase in orders as supply disruptions in the middle east continue to alter global aluminium trade flows, tightening availability across key markets. The shift follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has redirected significant volumes of metal. Alcoa, which typically ships around 4 million tonnes of aluminium to the Middle East each year to supply smelters, is now placing those volumes in alternative markets. According to Beerman, material that would normally move into the region is being absorbed elsewhere. Molly Beerman, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Alcoa said, “If you look at the Gulf smelters, they are producing just under seven million tonnes of aluminium. That's about 9 per cent of the global supply. And if you exclude...
Cyclone Narelle disrupts Rio Tinto’s bauxite mines, shares fall 4%
Rio Tinto has temporarily shut its Amrun and Andoom bauxite mines in Queensland after Cyclone Narelle hit northeast Australia. These two mines produce about 30 million tonnes of bauxite each year, which is used to make aluminium. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The company said it has activated its cyclone response plans. It stated that the priority is the safety of workers and the protection of site operations. Rio Tinto added, “We will continue to closely monitor the situation and take all necessary precautions.” Cyclone Narelle brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, and power outages across parts of northeast Australia. Authorities advised residents to stay indoors and prepare for possible damage....
Alba exports aluminium via Jeddah, as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) is exporting aluminium through Jeddah, as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. CEO Ali Al Baqali said the company is sending 40–60 per cent of its exports through Saudi Arabia. The route involves land transport of about 1,400 km (870 miles) to Jeddah. He said this adds land costs, but overall transport costs have not increased significantly. The company is still meeting delivery commitments. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " In Baqali’s words, “We are incurring the land cost. However, we are able to meet our commitment to our customers on time.” Alba has already declared force majeure and reduced production. It is also managing raw material supply. The company has about one month...
Kunal Bajaj, Jupiter Group: Building India’s aluminium foil edge via integration, scale and global competitiveness
In this interview, Mr Kunal Bajaj outlines a clear roadmap for scaling India’s aluminium foil ecosystem through backward integration, capacity expansion and global market alignment. He highlights how the integration of JUPALCO and LSKB Aluminium Foils is enhancing supply chain control, cost efficiency and product quality. Bajaj also mentions industry shifts like the growing demand for lightweight and high-performance aluminium applications and the rising importance of sustainability and circularity. Focusing on these, the group aims to strengthen India’s role in the global aluminium value chain. Mr Kunal Bajaj is a second-generation entrepreneur and Director at Jupiter Group, where he plays a key role in driving growth across its aluminium and flexible packaging businesses. With an...
Recycled and high-performance: SABIC highlights sustainable auto materials at PIAE 2026
SABIC recently launched new compounds for ADAS thermal management, exterior parts that are made of recycled materials and EV battery structures at PIAE 2026 in Baden-Baden. Among the materials introduced are LNP ELCRIN SLX compounds made using post-consumer recycled content. SABIC also presented the LNP KONDUIT WTF2C compound designed for thermal management in ADAS applications. These materials are part of SABIC’s wider portfolio aimed at enhancing performance, supporting circularity, and enabling design flexibility. Must read: Key industry individuals share their thoughts on the trending topics Two new LNP ELCRIN SLX grades — SLX2373RCC and SLX2375RCC — incorporate 30 per cent and 45 per cent post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, respectively. The LNP ELCRIN SLX compounds offer...
Aluminium cans are growing as a preferred choice of packaging material in South Korea, survey reveals
Preference for aluminum cans in South Korea appears to be steadily increasing, reflecting a gradual shift in choice toward more sustainable packaging solutions. A recent survey conducted by the Seoul Korea Federation for Environmental Movements (KFEM), which included 1,011 respondents nationwide, highlights this trend. Released on March 18 to mark Global Recycling Day, the findings show that 34.7 per cent of participants selected aluminum cans as their preferred beverage packaging, representing a 10.8 percentage point increase compared to the previous year. While plastic bottles continue to rank highest at 43.4 per cent, the rising preference for aluminum cans suggests a growing inclination toward materials that are more environmentally sustainable. Public understanding of environmental...
Ball and Grupo Mariza launch first ASI-certified aluminium can for juice in Brazil
Ball Corporation partnered with Grupo Mariza to launch Nutrinéctar juice in cans in Brazil. This is the first juice in the country packaged in aluminium, certified by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI). Aluminium Stewardship Initiative is an international organisation that sets standards for responsible aluminium production. It certifies companies based on environmental, social, and governance practices across the aluminium supply chain. For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The cans carry the ASI Responsible Aluminium Sourcing label. This shows that the aluminium comes from a certified supply chain and meets environmental and social standards. The label also provides information on the source of the...
Bauxite shipments rise 16% in 11 weeks of 2026 as China demand grows, but supply risks persist
Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) reported that in the first 11 weeks of 2026, global bauxite shipments increased by 16 per cent year-on-year. The growth was mainly because of demand from China for supplies from Guinea. Guinea accounted for 79 per cent of total shipments, while shipments from other countries declined by 3 per cent. China received about 88 per cent of global bauxite shipments as one of the largest aluminium producers contributing 65 per cent of global output. Bauxite is used to produce alumina, which is then used in aluminium production. Filipe Gouveia, shipping analyst manager at BIMCO, said, “Bauxite has been one of the fastest growing dry bulk commodities, growing 10 per cent on average between 2021 and 2025.” For the global aluminium value-chain 2026...
GUVNL awards 625 MW solar project tender at a tariff of $0.025/unit amid competitive bidding
Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) awarded a 625 MWp solar power tender at a tariff of INR 2.34 per unit (USD 0.025) to Welspun Energy and NLC India Limited. Out of the total capacity, 300 MW was allocated to each. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain The awards come nearly five months after the tender was floated. The projects can be developed anywhere in India, including sites that are already commissioned or under construction, offering flexibility to developers. More than 20 developers participated in the auction, with prices per unit ranging from INR 2.34 (USD 0.025) to INR 2.60 (USD 0.028). Also Read: India's push to localise the solar supply chain with ingot and wafer mandate from 2028...
CSIR-IMMT scientists turn bauxite residue into refractory bricks
What was once treated as a stubborn by-product of mining may now find a second life in industry. Researchers at the CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology have worked out a way to convert leftover bauxite residue into refractory bricks capable of withstanding very high temperatures. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Residue from the bauxite extraction has, over time, added to the dust pollution and significantly altered the chemistry of nearby water bodies, thus making them more acidic. However, managing this residual material is a significant concern, especially in areas where mining activity is concentrated. The Bhubaneswar team has explored its potential as a raw material instead of...
China’s aluminium inventories rise amidst Middle East supply disruption
Aluminium inventories in China have climbed above 1.3 million tonnes, reaching their highest level since 2020 as weak domestic demand coincides with tightening global supply linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Explore- Most accurate data to drive business decisions with Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 across the value chain Inventories are piling up, even as factories enter the busy period that follows the Lunar New Year holiday. The sluggish performance of a highly used industrial metal could be a warning for the Chinese economy, which is also facing a crisis due to elevated energy costs and other disruptions due to the Middle East conflict. Despite the post-Lunar New Year demand season, Chinese downstream sectors, including construction and manufacturing, have...
China's aluminium output remains high as Strait of Hormuz disruption affects supply
Commerzbank said China’s aluminium output has increased by about 3 per cent compared to last year. Production is now above the government’s annual cap. Higher aluminium prices and changes in alumina supply have supported this rise. Analyst Volkmar Baur said production is expected to stay above 3.75 million tonnes in the coming months. This is linked to the ongoing situation around the Strait of Hormuz, which remains blocked due to conflict. In his words, “As long as the Iran conflict persists and renders the Strait of Hormuz impassable, production disruptions in the Gulf region are likely to continue." For the global aluminium value-chain 2026 outlook, book our exclusive report “ Global ALuminium Industry Outlook 2026 " The disruption has affected supply in the Gulf region. Aluminium...
